Good Vibe, Good Eats & A Jar of Dessert

Cozy surroundings and a bar in back

A stop at the Eleven Seventeen Lounge

By Ken DeLaat

LSC (Lifetime Spousal Companion) Lil and I took off from N3 World Headquarters & Monarch Maternity Ministry the other day, venturing out with no real goal in mind other than a drive to Spring Lake to score a 6 pack of what are arguably the best scones in the region. While there it seemed wrong not to avail ourselves of one of the Village Bakery’s bodacious breakfasts so we lingered a while before heading onward.
This subsequent mini road trip took us traveling north near the lakeshore for a bit where we wandered through a few shops, stopped at a favorite bookstore and generally poked about with more of an intent on perusal than purchasing.

Several stops later it was mid afternoon and as we were on the way home (seemingly eons away from breakfast} I suggested we stop in at the Harrington Inn in Fremont having heard rumor they had recently opened up a lounge where eats were available. With homemade pizza on the menu at N3WH&MMM for later that evening what was required was not so much a meal, but a little in-between filler. Something to tide us over now that the rigorous hours of retail exploration were behind us.

We found our way into the lounge (short left soon after entering the building) and found a pleasant table near a window. A bit of investigation revealed a second room with 2 easy chairs facing a large television airing sports and an inviting looking bar. However, given my propensity to be significantly less communicative when embracing a combination of easy chairs and a bit of sports on TV we remained at our original choice.

Rachel was  our server and she proved to be informative and efficient delivering our drinks, including a draught beer in a frosty glass that fit the bill perfectly on a hot steamy day.

As stated we were searching for some small plate items and decided on the Spanakopita, a set of miniature versions of the Greek spinach pies and the French Fry Flight, three groups of seasoned fries each paired with a different dipping sauce. Being a lifetime aficionado of fries (the best in the world are at the V. I. Grill & Pub  in Suttons Bay) this was going to be a bit of a litmus test for the eatery.

And it passed with flying colors. 

The little pie pieces were savory and brought memories of satisfying encounters with larger versions at the Pegasus Taverna in Greektown.
And the fries were fabulous. Each grouping was seasoned perfectly as Garlic Parmasen, Black Pepper and Spicy Cajun varieties each had more than adequate representation and the sauces matched seamlessly.

We both liked the atmosphere  as well as the food and a glance at the menu revealed an enticing  selection of paninis, a few salads and even a few items for the kiddos.

We asked Rachel about dessert options and their origin (mere curiosity of course) but decided to opt out because as I mentioned there was to be homemade pizza later that night. 
Then Rachel came out with a pair of cheesecakes in a jar, a new item not yet on the menu and asked if we might be willing to serve as guinea pigs.
Lil and I have long shared a mutual affection for cheesecake and without even a slight twist of the arm we acquiesced.

This might be the perfect dessert for this venue. They were light and airy as cheesecake should be and in the jar the ‘crust’ was crumbled in layers between the filling. The taste was refreshing and, not being a traditionalist when it comes to food, the form it was delivered in was unique and fun.
And it was just enough.

As stated this was our first trip to Eleven Seventeen but it surely won’t be our last. There are other appetizers to sample, the paninis look to be worth a stab or two and, hey, if the cheesecake jars find a place on the permanent menu?

They may have just added a couple of regulars.

The Dessert